great stirrup cay what is included

Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." What did you think of the island? That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. The island looks beautiful! CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Didn't book early enough? Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. My husband and I are snorkelers. Most hotels are fully refundable. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Weve put together everything to know about the island. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Jump to content. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Want to really get away from the crowds? Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Yes! If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! . You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. She uses her personal journals and memories to write about her many cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, trans-Atlantic, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal and South America including Cape Horn. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Umbrellas can be rented. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Hugely disappointed with this line. Let me know in the comments below! All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. What is included there? And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. This such a rip off from NCL. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. Book snorkel equipment from Susans Rock Snorkel Center for the day ($30 for adults and $15 for children) and snorkel at this beautiful spot as much as you want. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Amenities are the same. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. I love the idea of a private island. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. So there you have it! It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Let us know in the comments below. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? This applies even at Tender ports. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? This reduces unnecessary delays. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. until the early 19th century. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Great questions, Courtney! Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Because flexibility matters. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island.

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